Returning to HaveRatton Station from Milu aboard a bot-piloted cargo transport, Murderbot intercepts a Port Authority order diverting Ship to a dock beside the station security response area. Because Ship officially has no crew or passengers and may be searched, Murderbot decides it cannot be aboard when Ship docks.

Murderbot uses the evac suit left from its escape from Abene’s shuttle, exits through Ship’s cargo airlock during docking, and erases traces of itself from Ship’s memory. Moving along the station exterior, Murderbot politely gains access through a cargo bot and another bot-piloted transport, then enters the docks while suppressing weapons-scanner attention to its built-in weapons and concealed projectile weapon.

From an overhead walkway, Murderbot sees a heavily armed boarding team in power suits, supported by many security drones, preparing to board Ship while HaveRatton Station Security watches. By searching intercepted comms, Murderbot confirms the operation is looking for a rogue SecUnit, meaning the force is likely after Murderbot specifically.

Murderbot reflects on ART’s earlier physical and code modifications that made it look less like a standard SecUnit, and on additional hair-growth changes Murderbot made during the trip to appear more human. To replace damaged clothing and blend in better, Murderbot enters an automated travel shop, buys practical dark clothing, boots, and a better knapsack, and recycles its old clothes.

Back in the mall, Murderbot searches for transport options, entertainment, Palisade—the company logo on the armed team—and news about Dr. Mensah. Murderbot plans to deliver memory clips containing evidence from Milu and Wilken and Gerth’s GrayCris records to Mensah, but feels conflicted about seeing her again.

The news search reveals that GrayCris has accused Dr. Mensah of corporate espionage and that journalists cannot locate her. Murderbot reconstructs the timeline and learns Mensah is said to be on TranRollinHyfa, a major corporate headquarters station that includes GrayCris. Reasoning that Mensah and the bond company would never choose that danger voluntarily, Murderbot concludes she must have been tricked, trapped, or forced there, and has a sudden alarming realization about what may have panicked GrayCris.